Why this particular post today? I think I'm feeling a bit of survivors guilt... bear with me... I'll get there.
A few years ago when Drew was 3 Todd and I left him and his brother Kyle with friends (OK our pastor, Jon, and his wife Carol) while we went to Julianna's dance recital. About 20 minutes before Julianna was supposed to go on I get a call from Carol.
Carol: Michelle?
Me: Hi! What's up?
Carol: Um, I'm shaking... I don't know how to tell you this... Drew is ok but he is going to need stitches. He and Davey (her son and Drew's best buddy) were chasing each other and just as I was opening my mouth to tell them to stop Drew slipped and fell into our coffee table.
Me: I'm picturing her perfectly oval non-sharp edged coffee table. Oh Kaaaaaaay... can you take him?
Yes I did! I did ask someone else to take my son with a gaping head wound to get stitches. Why? Um, yeah, so I could watch my daughter's dance performance. What a proud parenting moment that was. Let's return to the conversation and see how that worked out for me...
Carol: Well Jon just went on an errand and I have all the kids by myself (her 4 and my 2... all boys). The bleeding is stopped but it is definitely not going to heal by itself. He will definitely need stitches.
Me: Tears in my eyes... heart is pounding now as reality sinks in. My baby is wounded! My baby is wounded! and I just asked SOMEONE ELSE to get care for him. I'm a horrible, rotten, awful mother. OK, um ok, I'll be right there. I'm not sure what to do. I'm one of the Mom's who is helping out back stage. I need to get my position covered and I'll be right there.... I turn around to see a nervous child throwing up all over the floor. Yeah, Carol? I'll be RIGHT there!
This is how they wrapped Drew up and then had me lay across him to hold him still. Why did I have my camera with me? Because these were supposed to be cute pics of a little girl in a bubblegum pink cutiepie outfit!! I figured I might as well take pics of SOMETHING :)
Seven stitches later. 2 inside and 5 outside.
A year later we adopted a dog. The dog bit Drew. We returned the dog from whence he came! 2 stitches this time! 
This past January when I was 38 weeks pregnant. Drew decided to do tricks involving OUR coffee table this time. I was in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner when I hear the cry that I am getting all too familiar with. This time he split his chin open! No fair!! I'm supposed to be the next person getting all the attention in the hospital.
Todd told me that my phone call to him was surprisingly calm.
Me: Todd?
Todd: Hey babe! I'm in the middle of basketball practice. (he coaches)
Me: Yeah, your son Drew just split his chin open. I'm bringing the other 2 over to Jon and Carol's. Why don't you end practice early and meet me at the hospital? Love you!
Todd: oh ka... (realizes I'm no longer on the phone.)
Ahh Jon and Carol. When we moved up your way and started attending your church did you have any idea how bloody our friendship would become?
Seriously, just last year Todd was invited to play basketball with Jon and his brothers. I've heard that these games can get REALLY physical. The Switzer men are known for being aggressive. Todd doesn't back down either. Apparently, during the game, Jon's nose and Todd's elbow had the misfortune of being at the same place at the same time. Todd's elbow won... Jon's nose... um, yeah, my husband broke our pastor's nose. Yikes!!
OK I'm bringing this around full circle. Do you ever, in science class, remember the teacher asking the class, "Class, what do you think would happen if an unstoppable force met up with an unmovable object?" I remember thinking really hard about that one. Is there a true answer? Anyone?
Sunday we found out what happens when two unstoppable forces collide.
Davey and Drew.
again
Those closest said that they could hear the sickening thunk of two heads bouncing off one another. EVERYONE, and I do mean everyone, heard the screams.
The "funny" thing is that Jon, Todd and I all looked up, saw that other parents were stepping in and thought that the scream probably was not in proportion to the amount of harm done. So we kinda just didn't react right away.
Yeah, another stellar parenting moment!
Then some one yelled, "JON!!!"
It was like the seas parted. Really, people cleared the way, and I got a good look at Davey. BLOOD everywhere. Now I know head wounds bleed like crazy but this was unreal!! Blood was just dripping down his face, in his eyes, onto clothing.
My heart started pounding, "Where is Drew?"
He is crying in Todd's arms. Just a little cut over his right eye.
OK then if there is no head wound where you can see it there must be one where you can't. I open his mouth and look in. No, all his teeth are there. Unbelievable. This is what Drew looks like:
(Note the healed scar on Drew's forehead from the first set of stitches!)and this is Davey after 13 stitches!!!
So I get an e-mail from Carol today asking if I can babysit all her boys tomorrow!!
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
(seriously, anytime I am able to it is my pleasure to watch those young men... I love those kids!!!)
Oh Davey, we love you and hope you are feeling better. Now you and your buddy will have matching scars... that you both gave to each other! Now stop it you two!! Enough is enough!
So, all the boy Mommas out there, I'm praying today that the Lord will keep your young men safe. That He will place a special guardian angel over your little ones. That they will grow up strong and mighty and unashamed and unafraid to serve and bring glory to the One who died that they might forever live!!!
God bless you all!
xo
~Michelle
5 comments:
do i dare tell you that we've had no stitches yet? If anyone in our family is headed that way, it's my crazy boy Reed. Maybe your blessing will keep him safe. Great post. Beautifully heartbreaking picture of you boy in the straight jacket. Love the expression. He'll thank you for that later!
xo
Michelle, I love posts that combine pictures of children through the experineces (I mean years). Look how little Drew looks. Wow. I can't believe this happened. I can't wait to show this to Ty when he gets home. Drew is tough!! I love the prayer at the end. Love the full circle shown here.
What a great reflection!! What is it with those boys of ours!! I remember you having to leave the recital--we were all so sad. Drew was probably sadder still. Anyway, looks like Davey came out on top like a champ. Thanks for the blessing as well. Hope it will protect my children.
Don't be sure it only happens to boys--in our family Emilie was the only one who had to be taken in for stitches. Broken bones were another matter--all three had emergency room encounters with those.
Cameron and Grant have both already had several sets of stitches. I am convinced those experiences are much harder on the Moms than on the kids. I am keeping my fingers crossed (and a prayer or two) for Skyler and Reed who have escaped thus far by some miracle .
Boys rule...girls drool.(I hear that way too often from the boys). Us boys are tough.
It's probably good Todd broke the pastor's nose. He knew he would forgive him, right? I guess on the flip side if he turned the other cheek, it too might get broken.
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